1 Reis 22
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 22
Guzik - at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria: This illustrates the ancient custom of holding court and making decisions at the gates of the city. There were even thrones for high officials to sit on at the gates of the city of Samaria. Patterson on threshing floor - Threshing floors were often places of spiritual significance (cf. Judg 6:36–40). Thus Joseph mourned for Jacob at a threshing floor (Gen 50:10), and David built an altar and Solomon the temple at the famous threshing floor of Araunah (2 Sam 24:18–25; 1 Chronicles 21:15–22:1; 2 Chronicles 3:1). In Canaanite tradition the threshing floor became the scene where court was held at a place near the city gate (see ANET, pp. 144–45, 151, 153). (See 1 and 2 Kings) 1 Kings 22:11 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made horns of iron for himself and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘With these you will gore the Arameans until they are consumed.’” horns of iron: Jer 27:2 28:10-14 Zec 1:18-21 Ac 19:13-16 2Co 11:13-15 2Ti 3:8 Thus says: Jer 23:17,25,31 28:2,3 29:21 Eze 13:6-9 22:27,28 Mic 3:11 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:10+ Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made horns of iron for himself and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are consumed.’” ZEDEKIAH'S MISLEADING OBJECT LESSON Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made horns of iron for himself and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘With these you will gore the Arameans until they are consumed - Apparently Zedekiah was the leader of this band of false prophets. Zedekiah's lying words hardly lived up to the meaning of his name "Jehovah is righteous!" This would have been a dramatic scene in an attempt to sidestep Jehoshaphat's request for a true prophet. Surely Jehoshaphat would be convinced by a man prophesying holding horns of iron! (cf horns in Mic 4:13; Zech 1:18–19) Note Zedekiah now says he is speaking for Yahweh as he predicts a massacre. As it turns out there was a defeat, but it was not of the Arameans! David Guzik - Zedekiah used a familiar tool of ancient prophets – the object lesson. He used horns of iron to illustrate the thrust of two powerful forces, armies that would defeat the Syrians. Zedekiah had the agreement of 400 other prophets (all the prophets prophesied so). Patterson on historical allusions to horns - Sennacherib, on his fifth campaign, reported that he led his men like a wild ox (see R. Borger, Babylonisch-Assyrische Lesestücke [Rome: Pontificum Institutum Biblicum, 1963], 3:47). Ashurbanipal reported that his enemies were gored by the goddess Ninlil’s horns (see ANET, p. 300). Pharaoh could also be represented as a goring bull, as already on the Narmer Palette (see Seton Lloyd, The Art of the Ancient Near East [New York: Praeger, 1961], pp. 32–33, ill. 14). (See 1 and 2 Kings) 1 Kings 22:12 All the prophets were prophesying thus, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper, for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” Go up: 1Ki 22:6-15,32-36 2Ch 35:22 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:11+ All the prophets were prophesying thus, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and succeed, for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” ECHOES OF DECEPTION FROM A DECEIVING SPIRIT All the prophets were prophesying thus, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper, for (term of explanation) the LORD will give it into the hand of the king - We can picture them in the background crying out their lying predictions. Note the adjective all, for they were all willing instruments of falsehood. Surely a unanimous prediction had to be true! Note the command to Go up which is because Ramoth-gilead was elevated. Now the prophets filled with a deceiving spirit (1Ki 22:22, 23+) falsely predict the venture will prosper because Yahweh will give the enemy into their hand (their power). In effect these charlatans are misusing and thus blaspheming the holy Name of Yahweh (Ex 20:7+) using His Name in an attempt to authenticate their divine authority and thus substantiate their claim of victory over the Arameans. Given that Ahab was not a believer in Yahweh, it is interesting that the false prophets claimed victory in His Name. Why not claim victory in the name of Baal? Of course, Jehoshaphat would have rejected such nonsense. The other prophets were encouraged to repeat their earlier prophecy, but this time, instead of adonay (1Ki 22:5), they used Jehovah as Zedekiah had done. Warren Wiersbe on All the prophets were prophesying - All the other prophets agreed and shouted their approval. But it takes more than enthusiasm to win a war, especially when God has decreed otherwise. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Rod Mattoon on all the prophets - Here we see again that the majority was wrong. They were wrong at the Promised Land border when they said they could not defeat the giants in the land. The majority was wrong at Noah's Ark when they said it would not rain. They were wrong at Mt. Carmel when Elijah challenged Baal and his prophets. 1 Kings 22:13 Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold now, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. Please let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” Behold now: Ps 10:11 11:1 14:1 50:21 Isa 30:10,11 Ho 7:3 Am 7:13-17 Mic 2:6,7,11 1Co 2:14-16 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:12+ Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. So please let your word be like one of them and speak favorably.” 1 Kings 22:26 Then the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and RETURN HIM to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son; MESSENGER TELLS MICAIAH TO BE POLITICALLY CORRECT! Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold now, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. Please let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably - Ahab's messenger attempts to bias Micaiah to give a pleasing message to Ahab. "Don't rock the boat!" The messenger must have been aware that Micaiah had previously spoken messages to Ahab which were not pleasing and in fact were messages he hated! David Guzik has an interesting comment - This was a dramatic scene. Micaiah was brought out from prison (1 Kings 22:26 indicates that he came from prison). We see a prophet in rags and chains stand before two kings, ready to speak on behalf of the LORD. Rod Mattoon applies the pressure put on Micaiah's preaching - Great pressure is put upon preachers and Christians today to be politically correct and not to rock any boats or take any stands against sin. Our pulpits have been compromised and gagged and our nation is suffocating. American churches have lost their saltiness and power. We have become so spiritually numb and cold as a nation that being politically correct is to be scripturally incorrect. When tyranny becomes accepted in those who govern us, then anarchy lurks in the shadows. When apathy for wickedness replaces morality, then iniquity festers and grows stronger. That is what is happening in America and will continue to happen unless revival takes place in our churches. To tolerate corruption is to give it liberty to affect areas that are still good. Corruption spreads. That is the nature of corruption. (cf Gal 5:9+). 1 Kings 22:14 But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I shall speak.” what the Lord: Nu 22:38 24:13 2Ch 18:12,13 Jer 23:28 26:2,3 42:4 Eze 2:4-8 Eze 3:17-19 Ac 20:26,27 2Co 2:17 4:2 Ga 1:10 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:13+ But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak.” WHAT THE LORD SAYS I WILL SPEAK But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I shall speak - So far so good as they say. Micaiah expresses a firm commitment to speak only what Yahweh speaks to him, no matter the pressure. Bob
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Guzik - Some people forget that Satan and his fellow fallen angels have access to heaven (Job 1:6, Revelation 12:10). There is a well-intentioned but mistaken teaching that God can allow no evil in His presence, meaning that Satan and other fallen angels could not be in His presence. These passages show that God can allow evil in His presence, though He can have no fellowship with evil and one day all evil will be removed from His presence (Revelation 20:14-15).....Apparently, one of the fallen angels volunteered for this task. Since Ahab wanted to be deceived, God would give him what He wanted, using a willing fallen angel who worked through willing unfaithful prophets. Bob
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Guzik - It is easy to understand why King Ahab of Israel went to this battle; he didn’t want to believe that Micaiah’s prophecy was true and wanted to courageously oppose it. It is less easy to understand why King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to this battle with Ahab. He should have believed the prophecy of Micaiah and known that the battle would end in disaster and the death of at least Ahab. Choose Your Alliances Carefully Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. — 2 Corinthians 6:14 Today's Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:28,19:3 The Star Alliance is an affiliation of airlines that seeks to maximize passenger benefits. If you’re traveling on a member airline, you can accumulate frequent-flyer miles after transferring flights and enjoy faster check-in. The Alliance’s Web site calls it “a more civilized way to fly the world.” But not all alliances are mutually beneficial. In 2 Chronicles, we read that Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, formed an alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, when they joined armies against Syria. Why did Jehoshaphat establish this foolish bond with Ahab? No reasons are given, but we know why Ahab encouraged Jehoshaphat to put on his kingly robes while Ahab disguised himself for the battle. He knew the Syrians would try to kill the king. The opposing army surrounded Jehoshaphat. He cried to the Lord for help and God diverted the troops. Despite Ahab’s treacherous scheme to save his own skin, he was killed by a stray arrow. Although Jehoshaphat escaped, Jehu the prophet confronted him, saying: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” (2 Chronicles 19:2). Helping people in need is godly. But making unwise alliances with those who hate God may prove disastrous. It is good to join hands with the righteous, Helping others you meet on your path; But to make an alliance with evil Will incur God's displeasure and wrath. -Hess Right and wrong can never be partners. 1 Kings 22:30 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into the battle, but you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into the battle. into the battle: 1Ki 22:10 Ps 12:2 disguised himself: 1Ki 14:2 20:38 1Sa 28:8 2Sa 14:2 2Ch 18:29 35:22 Pr 21:30 Jer 23:24 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:29+ The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” A DISGUISE ATTEMPTING TO DEFY DIVINE JUDGMENT! The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into the battle, but you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into the battle - Why would Ahab disguise himself? Clearly he had concern that Micaiah's prophecy might be true so he would "out maneuver" God's proclamation! Some writers feel that secretly in his heart, Ahab truly believed Micaiah's prophecy but in his deluded state he felt he could foil God's Word and God's Will. That's never a winning formula! Since when has that ever worked for anyone? Note that contrast word "but!" Jehoshaphat's ears should have perked up at that word, which meant he would be a sitting duck for the Arameans! Jehoshaphat is a bit foolish at this point. Iain Duguid: Ahab was a picture of delusion. He knew that Micaiah’s oracle was probably true, yet he brazenly expected to “return in peace” and sought to avoid the message of death by a stratagem of disguise. David Guzik has an interesting statement - Going into the battle, Ahab did not want to be identified as a king and therefore be a special target. He thought this would help protect him against Micaiah’s prophecy of doom. It is more difficult to explain why Jehoshaphat agreed to go into the battle as the only clearly identified king. Perhaps he was either not very smart or he had very great faith. Iain Provan: The donning of disguise is no more than a harbinger of disaster; it recalls the actions of Jeroboam and Saul (1 Sam. 28) just before their own deaths (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:1–18). Disguise cannot possibly thwart the purposes of God. Jehoshaphat, though wearing royal robes (v. 30), is saved from death because his Judean shout (in form or content) reveals that he is not the man Ben-Hadad is after (vv. 31–33). Ahab, however—playing the commoner—is struck down. An arrow shot at random flies unerringly to its divinely ordained target (v. 34)—to a single figure in the vast crowd, to one of the few undefended spots on his body. He stays on the battlefield all day long, perhaps to encourage his troops, but at sunset he dies and the army withdraws leaderless (vv. 35–36, cf. v. 17). The Lord’s deception of Ahab has succeeded; Ahab’s attempted deception of the Lord has failed. It was the only possible outcome. (See 1 & 2 Kings Understanding the Bible Commentary Series - Page 29) 1 Kings 22:31 Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.” thirty two: 1Ki 20:24 2Ch 18:30 Fight: 1Ki 20:33-42 small nor great: Ge 19:11 1Sa 30:2 Jer 16:6 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:30+ Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.” ARAM PUTS TARGET ON AHAB'S BACK! Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone - We assume this is the same Ben-Hadad described in 1Ki 20:32 who with his men "girded sackcloth on their loins and put ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please let me live.’” And he said, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”" So much for Ahab sparing Beh-Hadad's life! In fact to the contrary now the pardoned one singles out Ahab for execution! Amazing ingratitude! David Guzik - Ahab’s previous mercy to Ben-Hadad did not win any lasting favor with the rulers of Syria. This strategy of the Syrian army made Ahab’s counter-strategy of disguising himself in battle seem very wise. 1 Kings 22:32 So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “Surely it is the king of Israel,” and they turned aside to fight against him, and Jehoshaphat cried out. they turned: Pr 13:20 Jehoshaphat: Ex 14:10 2Ch 18:31 Ps 50:15 91:15 116:1,2 130:1-4 Jon 2:1,2 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:31+ So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel,” and they turned aside to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him. THE LORD SUPERNATURALLY SAVES JEHOSHAPHAT So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “Surely it is the king of Israel,” and they turned aside to fight against him - Jehoshaphat was not in disguise like Ahab and clearly looked like a king, so they just assumed he was Ahab. It looks for a moment like Ahab's ruse will work. The problem is that God had prophesied Ahab would die not Jehoshaphat, so He would supernaturally orchestrate events to bring about His prophecy. And Jehoshaphat cried out - What was the key? Jehoshaphat humbled himself and cried out to Yahweh! The writer of Chronicles writes that "the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him." The sovereign hand of the LORD supernaturally caused the withdrawal of the Arameans. This action is specifically attributed to God, a God not even acknowledged as existing by the Syrians. While I love John MacArthur, I do not agree with his comment "Jehoshaphat's cry showed the Syrians that he was not Ahab." While there might be some truth to that statement the fuller truth is that "God diverted them from him." Here is my comment on 2Ch 18:31+ - This is a beautiful verse. Jehoshaphat's life was clearly in danger. He humbled himself and loudly cried out. God in Heaven heard his cry and rescued his life by literally causing the Aramean forces to draw back and turn away from Jehoshaphat's chariot! This is direct, clear divine intervention in answer to prayer! This reminds me of the old Maranatha Chorus "CRY OUT!' David Guzik - After the close escape at Ramoth Gilead, Jehoshaphat rededicated himself to the spiritual reform of Judah: he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the mountains of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD God of their fathers (2 Chronicles 19:4). 1 Kings 22:33 When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. they turned back: 1Ki 22:31 Ps 76:10 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:32+ When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. GOD SUPERVENES AND SAVES JEHOSHAPHAT When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him - One could say they made a decision to pull away, but ultimately God intervened and "Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him." (2Ch 18:31+). This reminds me of Hebrews 2:18 which says "For since He Himself was tempted (tested) in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid (boetheo means run to the aid of one who cries for help) of those who are tempted (tested)." 1 Kings 22:34 Now a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and take me out of the fight; for I am severely wounded.” drew his bow at random 2Sa 15:11 and struck the king of Israel: 1Sa 17:49 2Ki 9:24 in a joint of the armor., Rev 9:9 I am severely wounded. 2Ch 18:30 35:23 *margins Mic 6:13 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:33+ A certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of the chariot, “Turn around and take me out of the fight, for I am severely wounded.” Job 42:2 “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. Job 9:12 “Were He to snatch away, who could restrain Him? Who could say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’ Isaiah 43:13 “Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?” Psalm 135:6 Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. THE PROVIDENTIAL ARROW OF JEHOVAH STRIKES AHAB Now a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and take me out of the fight; for I am severely wounded - Clearly this shot was not random (it seemed that way to the bow man), but was divinely directly by the unseen hand of God piercing Ahab's side. "The Achilles' heel of Ahab was not the crack in his armor " but his willful rebellion against God." -- Whitcomb Paul Apple - Ahab tried to dodge the Word of God; but in the end the seemingly random arrow was actually the Word of God hitting its intended target and accomplishing God’s decreed will. Rod Mattoon - That arrow overcame every obstacle to accomplish God's will. It overcame Ahab's camouflage, armor, unbelief, and his defiance. The timing was right and the place was right. Like an orchestra playing in unison, God brought all the factors together to fulfill His Word and will. You cannot foil God's Word or will. He is God....God is sovereign and all powerful. Nothing happens without His clearance. He can overcome the impossible or whatever obstacle men put in His path to thwart His plans. David Guzik - This seemed to be pure chance. It was a certain man, and he pulled his bow at random – but it struck as if it were a sin-seeking missile. God orchestrated the unintended actions of man to result in an exercise of His judgment. Josephus wrote, "But Ahab's fate found him out without his robes …" Donald Wiseman: It took a bow-shot at random (av ‘at a venture’ gives the force of the Heb. ‘in his simplicity’, i.e. without particular aim) to bring down the prophesied target (nrsv ‘unknowingly’). Armour made up of linked small metal plate segments from this period has been found at Lachish and at Nuzi and Nimrud in Iraq, the shot appears to have struck between the chain mail (Heb. dĕbāqîm) and the breastplate. J
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Guzik - This was an almost fulfillment of God’s word through Elijah in 1 Kings 21:19, where Elijah prophesied that dogs would lick the blood of Ahab. This proved true, but not in the place Elijah said it would happen. God relented from His original judgment against Ahab announced in 1 Kings 21, but because of Ahab’s false repentance and continued sin, a very similar judgment came upon him. 1 Kings 22:36 Then a cry passed throughout the army close to sunset, saying, “Every man to his city and every man to his country.” Then a cry passed throughout the army 1Ki 22:17,31 12:16 2Ki 14:12 Every man: 1Ki 12:24 Jdg 7:7,8 21:24 1Sa 4:10 2Sa 19:8 2Ki 14:12 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries EFFECT OF AHAB'S DEATH SHEEP SCATTER Then a cry passed throughout the army close to sunset, saying, “Every man to his city and every man to his country - Sunset indicates evening and corresponds to Ahab's death in the evening (1Ki 22:35). Thus was fulfilled the word of God's prophet Micaiah "I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep which have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace.’” (1Ki 22:17) 1 Kings 22:37 So the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried the king in Samaria. was brought: 1Ki 22:37 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MICAIAH'S PROPHECY OF BLOOD ON CHARIOT FULFILLED So the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried the king in Samaria - Every prophetic promise of Yahweh is perfectly fulfilled! This should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable! This verse presents a potential problem as to how to account for the phrase “in this place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth”. This question is not easily resolved and is dealt with by Dr Archer in the discussion below. Adam
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Guzik - 2 Chronicles 20:35-37 tells us more about this shipping venture with Israel. It tells us that Jehoshaphat did make an alliance with Ahaziah and it ended in disaster. The LORD told Jehoshaphat why: Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works (2 Chronicles 20:37). It was after this word of the LORD that Jehoshaphat turned down the offer of a continued alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel. Walton on made ships of Tarshish - Trade by means of seagoing vessels was already taking place in the first half of the third millennium B.C. By mid-second millennium a fleet of ships from Ugarit numbered 150. Excavations of a sunken merchant ship (off the coast of Uluburun, Turkey) from the period give a good idea of the variety of items being shipped. Trading ships of the first millennium were single-masted with a crow’s nest and could feature either one or two banks of oars. Typical length would be about fifty feet, though larger ones are known (IVP Background Commentary - OT page 384) C H
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Guzik - Ahab reigned 22 years, but his son only reigned two years. Though his repentance was shallow, when Ahab repented after an announcement of judgment in 1 Kings 21, God relented from the immediate judgment and promised to bring judgment in the days of Ahab’s son. Ahaziah’s short reign was a fulfillment of this prophecy in 1 Kings 21:29. . . With this, the Book of 1 Kings ends on a low note. It began with the promise of the twilight of Israel’s greatest king, David. It ends with the sad reign of one of the most wicked kings over one of the kingdoms coming from the divided tribes of Israel. QUESTION - Who was King Ahaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - There are two kings named Ahaziah in the Bible; one ruled in the northern kingdom of Israel and the other in the southern kingdom of Judah. In a long line of righteous and unrighteous kings that ruled in the northern and southern kingdoms, these men were both evil kings. Ahaziah of Israel was king from 853—852 BC. He was the son of Ahab and Jezebel, who were among the most wicked rulers Israel ever had. Ahaziah’s parents brought Baal worship into the land and turned God’s people away from Him; although Ahaziah reigned for only two years, he was just as evil as his parents. He “aroused the anger of the LORD” (1 Kings 22:53) due to his own worship of Baal, which continued to lead the people into sin and idolatry. At one point King Ahaziah of Israel tried to ally with King Jehoshaphat of Judah, but, after a warning from one of God’s prophets, Jehoshaphat severed ties with the wicked king (verse 49; cf. 2 Chronicles 20:37). At some point during his reign, King Ahaziah of Israel fell out of a window, injuring himself badly. He was confined to bed, and, rather than inquire of the Lord, Ahaziah sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the “god” of Ekron, to see if he would recover (2 Kings 1:2). The Lord sent His prophet, Elijah, to confront the messengers and give them God’s message for King Ahaziah: he would never recover from his injuries and would die in his bed. When the messengers returned to King Ahaziah and relayed what Elijah had told them, Ahaziah was angry and sent his captain and 50 soldiers to fetch Elijah. The captain demanded that Elijah come down from the hill he was sitting on, but the prophet refused; instead, he announced, “May fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!” (2 Kings 1:10). The Lord allowed this miracle, and all King Ahaziah’s men were consumed by fire. Ahaziah sent men to Elijah twice more. In the second instance, the same thing happened as in the first: Elijah called down fire to kill the soldiers. However, the third captain begged for his life, and the Lord spared the company. Elijah came to the king. God’s Word had not changed: Elijah repeated God’s message of judgment directly to Ahaziah, and soon Ahaziah died. As Ahaziah had no sons, he was succeeded by his brother Joram, who was also a sinful ruler—although not as evil as his brother and parents before him (verse 17). The other Ahaziah, King Ahaziah of Judah (who is also called “Jehoahaz” in some translations), was the nephew of King Ahaziah of Israel and the son of Jehoram, the evil son of the righteous king Jehoshaphat. Judah’s King Ahaziah was related to King Ahaziah of Israel through his mother, Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Ahaziah of Judah walked in the ways of his father, and because of this the Lord allowed him to reign less than one year in 841 BC. He was only 22 years old (2 Kings 8:26–27). King Ahaziah immediately allied with his other uncle, King Joram, in a war against the king of Aram. King Joram was wounded and went to Jezreel to rest (2 Kings 8:28–29), and Ahaziah of Judah joined him there. During this time, a man named Jehu was anointed by the Lord as king of Israel with the command to destroy the house of Ahab (see 2 Kings 9:1–10). Jehu knew King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah were in Jezreel, and so he rode to that city (verse 16). When King Joram and King Ahaziah went down to meet Jehu, Joram guessed Jehu’s plan and tried to flee (verse 23). Jehu, however, shot Joram with an arrow and killed him instantly (verse 24). Ahaziah tried to run as well, but Jehu’s company pursued him, mortally wounding him. Ahaziah made it to Megiddo but died there (verse 27). Jehu continued his campaign, killing Jezebel and eventually destroying all of Ahab’s family. Not only are the stories of King Ahaziah of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah a part of the history of the Jewish people, they are also a cautionary tale of the consequences of leading God’s people away from the Lord. Both the northern and southern kingdoms were eventually destroyed as a result of God’s judgment for their evil ways. While a remnant that spent 70 years in captivity was eventually able to return to Judah, the kingdom was never the same again. 1 Kings 22:52 He did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. he did evil: 1Ki 15:26 16:30-33 2Ki 1:2-7 in the way: 1Ki 21:25 2Ki 8:27 9:22 2Ch 22:3 Mk 6:24 Rev 3:20 and in the way: 1Ki 12:28-33 14:9-16 15:34 2Ki 3:3 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AHAZIAH FOLLOWS IN EVIL WAY OF EVIL PARENTS He did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin - Note three reasons Ahaziah did evil - his father Ahab, his mother Jezebel and his predecessor Jeroboam. 1 Kings 22:53 So he served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done. he served Baal: 1Ki 16:31 Jdg 2:1-11 2Ki 1:2 3:2 provoked: 1Ki 16:7 Ps 106:29 Isa 65:3 Eze 8:3 according to all: 1Ki 21:29 Eze 18:14-18 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AHAZIAH'S BAAL WORSHIP PROVOKES YAHWEH'S WRATH So he served Baal and worshiped him - The writer explains how he did evil in the sight of the LORD. Ahaziah followed in the footsteps of his parents, serving and worshiping something that was not a god, but a figment of his depraved imagination. Dale Ralph Davis: Ahaziah embraced all the perversion and paganism that had accumulated in Israel to date, both the syncretism of Jeroboam and the Baalism of his parents. Lest we pass over the latter the writer specifically underscores it in verse 53a: ‘So he served Baal and bowed down to him.’ This is sheer rebellion; there can be no doubt about the destiny of such a kingdom. (Book 1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly or lecture Getting Clear About God's Word 1 Kings 22:1-40) And provoked (kāas; Lxx - parorgizo - exasperate, make angry) the LORD God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done - Notice the phrase according to all that his father had done indicates the son is repeating the sins of the previous generation — specifically his father Ahab, who also provoked God. Instead of repenting, Ahaziah followed the same path, and so incurred the same judgment. 🙏 THOUGHT - Notice how the sins of one generation can ripple down to the next generation. Do you follow the paths of those who came before you and if they were godless have you broken the cycle and sought the Lord? We each to examine who it is that we imitate and whether our lives please or provoke the Lord. There is no neutral ground. David Guzik - With this, the Book of 1 Kings ends on a low note. It began with the promise of the twilight of Israel’s greatest king, David. It ends with the sad reign of one of the most wicked kings over one of the kingdoms coming from the divided tribes of Israel. Provoked (03707) kāas is a verb meaning to vex, agitate, stir up, provoke the heart to a "heated" condition which results in actions. To be angry, vexed, be incensed, to be in a state of strong displeasure, to provoke to anger. The causative sense of the verb occurs most often and frequently signifies idolatry provoking God to anger (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:9; Ps. 106:29; Ezek. 8:17). The result of provocation may be expressed as ʾap̱, anger (Deut. 9:18; 2 Kgs. 23:26; Jer. 7:20). In a non-causative sense, the verb means to be angry; people were warned not to become angry hastily (Eccl. 7:9); God says that after He punishes, He will not be angry (Ezek. 16:42). Three times it refers to the people’s anger directed toward righteousness (2 Chr. 16:10; Neh. 4:1; Ps. 112:10). Deuteronomy 32:16 says that God was "provoked to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations they provoked him to anger." In the same chapter (vv. 18ff), the Lord says that He will hide his face from Israel because they have provoked Him to anger by forgetting that He is their Maker. Lastly, in this same chapter, God declares that "a fire was kindled in his anger" and that He has been provoked to wrath because Israel is a perverse and unfaithful generation (Dt 32:20ff.). His response to such provocation is recorded in Dt 32:23-26: He would heap calamities upon them, send wasting famine, consuming pestilence and deadly plagues. Wild beasts, vipers and the swords of enemies would make them childless. The theology presented in these verses helps define and confirm the holy essence of the Lord. He is provoked to great anger when his people commit apostasy. He responds by sending a variety of plagues and enemies. All of these responses of God in turn "provoke" Israel to humble themselves, repent and return to the Lord (Dt 32:27-39). KAAS - PROVOKED IN KINGS AND CHRONICLES - 1 Ki. 14:9; 1 Ki. 14:15; 1 Ki. 15:30; 1 Ki. 16:2; 1 Ki. 16:7; 1 Ki. 16:13; 1 Ki. 16:26; 1 Ki. 16:33; 1 Ki. 21:22; 1 Ki. 22:53; 2 Ki. 17:11; 2 Ki. 17:17; 2 Ki. 21:6; 2 Ki. 21:15; 2 Ki. 22:17; 2 Ki. 23:19; 2 Ki. 23:26; 2 Chr. 16:10; 2 Chr. 28:25; 2 Chr. 33:6; 2 Chr. 34:25; ALL OTHER USES - Deut. 4:25; Deut. 9:18; Deut. 31:29; Deut. 32:16; Deut. 32:21; Jdg. 2:12; 1 Sam. 1:6; 1 Sam. 1:7; Neh. 4:1; Neh. 4:5; Ps. 78:58; Ps. 106:29; Ps. 112:10; Eccl. 5:17; Eccl. 7:9; Isa. 65:3; Jer. 7:18; Jer. 7:19; Jer. 8:19; Jer. 11:17; Jer. 25:6; Jer. 25:7; Jer. 32:29; Jer. 32:30; Jer. 32:32; Jer. 44:3; Jer. 44:8; Ezek. 8:17; Ezek. 16:26; Ezek. 16:42; Ezek. 32:9; Hos. 12:14